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I have been writing a newsletter recently (look out for that soon) and it has prompted a few thoughts I’d like to share.

I’ve really been hit by the thought that I should really practise what I preach - something that’s tough to do if I take what I preach literally (each one of us is supposed to deny ourselves and pick up our cross, right?)

What I practise:

I have been a worried person for the last few days. I really do at this point want to stay longer in Canada. To do that I need money, for which I need a job, for which I need a work permit (for which I need a job - yeah, kinda circular). For the permit I need to renew my passport… The success of any of these three things is risky. Whilst I am going about getting the next few years of my life sorted out, I have a Bible study to plan for FOCUS, lots of correspondence to sort out with you guys back home (which - I’m hopelessly behind on, sorry guys), and a tax return to get a handle on and a ton of other little but necessary things and… ARGH!! PANIC!!!

What I preach:

Stop. Rewind. What was that? Oh, yeah - Bible study.

This is where I go to the international students group and explain parts of the Bible to students who mainly come from Asia and have little or no exposure to scripture - because I’m a Christian and I understand the Bible… right?

Let’s have a look at the stuff I’m covering. We’re going through the stories in Genesis at the moment. Throughout this, we see the people that God uses:
Noah, Abraham, Moses…

All of these are men who achieved great things by listening to God and carrying out his words with faithfulness. (Indeed, Abraham had times of not trusting in God and doing what he thought was best instead - but he only had success when following the Lord’s instruction).

The upshot:

I know of course that panic and worry are not helpful and that worry is even forbidden by Jesus. But, as we all know this is not always easy. Indeed, several people have told me to “Just trust in God” recently. This is great advice, but I believe that the word “just” is out of place. I have great respect to those who truly rely on the Lord, and pray that I may have the same faithfulness. It’s hard to practise what you preach.
So don’t panic, do trust in God - but don’t underestimate the task at hand, “just” trusting in God can be harder than trying to work out our lives under our own strength - ask Abraham!

(Wow, those few thoughts turned into a mini-sermon. Thanks to those of you who read all that!)